Divergent paths of robotics adoption in China and India

Sunil Mani

No 14, Working Papers from National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Department of Economics, International Economics and Development Laboratory (IEDL)

Abstract: This paper analyses the stark divergence in industrial robot adoption between China and India, benchmarking their trajectories in terms of scale, density, and sectoral and task diversity. Employing a three-factor analytical framework - labour market pressures, industrial structure, and government policy - the study explains China's rapid, state-orchestrated automation, which has bolstered export competitiveness despite rising wages. In contrast, India's adoption remains incremental and concentrated, constrained by its labour-abundant economy and less activist policy stance. The analysis reveals distinct implications: China enhances economic resilience but faces social risks from workforce displacement, while India preserves employment stability at the cost of global competitiveness and productivity. The findings underscore the critical need for policy realignment in both nations to harness the benefits of automation while mitigating its socioeconomic costs.

Keywords: Industrial Robotics; Automation; China; India; Technological Divergence; Industrial Policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J24 L52 O14 O33 O53 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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